Should I increase my net intake for the last 7 lbs?

emilymang
emilymang Posts: 9
in Food and Nutrition
I am 5'7", 132 and am only 7 pounds away from my ultimate goal weight. This whole time i've been netting 1200-1250 and miraculously enough i have not hit a plateau yet (knocks on wood). I'm wondering if it would be beneficial to increase my net intake NOW for these last 7 pounds to avoid plateauing, make the transitioning into maintenance easier, and to save my metabolism? I'm afraid that my body has gotten too used to using only 1200 net and i want to try to ease it nice and slowly into getting used to maintenance calories, which I calculated is 1955-2204 being in between lightly active and moderately active. I know its going to take a while longer for these last 7 lbs but its ok because i want this to be be done the healthy way, and to make sure that its mostly fat that comes off and not muscle mass.
If you do think I should increase, then by how much would you suggest? Also this is a NET intake i'm talkin 'bout here

Any input is greatly appreciated!!!

Replies

  • _stephanie0
    _stephanie0 Posts: 708 Member
    i would definitely increase. the last 10 lbs you should only be eating 5-10% below your TDEE. you want this weight to come off slowly. focus on building muscle. i would say you are at a good weight for your height already so i wouldnt focus on the number on the scale. focus on lifting heeeeavvvvvyyyy and shaping your body. i'm 5'4 and 140lbs but i can see abs....i have a lot of muscle...yeah, i have 5 or 7 lbs i wouldnt mind shedding, but lifting weights and eating more definitely helps when you are close to your goal :)

    also, i would eat close to your TDEE, weight train heavy 4xweek and for cardio try doing HIIT 2-3 x week 20min each. HIIT is great for the last few lbs.
  • Eerinelizz
    Eerinelizz Posts: 114 Member
    I was just wondering this myself, and my numbers are exactly the same as yours... 132 with 7 more to lose (except I'm only 5'4"). I've decided to start raising my calories every week and see what happens. I was eating 1200 calories, but now I'm at 1300, plus I eat back my exercise calories. It feels like an experiment! After a week, I'll check my progress and tweak my calories as needed. I figure that this will make it easier to find my maintenance level. Good luck!
  • eric5150ii
    eric5150ii Posts: 53 Member
    I was just wondering this myself, and my numbers are exactly the same as yours... 132 with 7 more to lose (except I'm only 5'4"). I've decided to start raising my calories every week and see what happens. I was eating 1200 calories, but now I'm at 1300, plus I eat back my exercise calories. It feels like an experiment! After a week, I'll check my progress and tweak my calories as needed. I figure that this will make it easier to find my maintenance level. Good luck!

    ^^^THIS. Start adding the calories in slowly - 100 or so every week to 2 weeks, and adjust as needed. Make sure they are quality calories, not junk, also. It is probably time to look at/revamp your exercise routine, and decide on adding/firming up any areas that you want. Being thin is not necessarily being healthy, so make sure you are looking at a complete solution for yourself.
  • emilymang
    emilymang Posts: 9
    I was just wondering this myself, and my numbers are exactly the same as yours... 132 with 7 more to lose (except I'm only 5'4"). I've decided to start raising my calories every week and see what happens. I was eating 1200 calories, but now I'm at 1300, plus I eat back my exercise calories. It feels like an experiment! After a week, I'll check my progress and tweak my calories as needed. I figure that this will make it easier to find my maintenance level. Good luck!

    That's exactly what I'm thinking about doing let me know how it works out for you!

    Thanks so much guys :)
  • babyblake11
    babyblake11 Posts: 1,107 Member
    Yep, increase about 50-100 cals per week or so, and ramp up the intensity of your workouts and you will see REAL results. Hard weights too!
  • geekyjock76
    geekyjock76 Posts: 2,720 Member
    Yep, increase about 50-100 cals per week or so, and ramp up the intensity of your workouts and you will see REAL results. Hard weights too!
    I hope by ramping up intensity you mean strength training and not cardio as that will negate the adjustment of 100 calories closer to maintenance she is trying to make.
  • babyblake11
    babyblake11 Posts: 1,107 Member
    Yep, increase about 50-100 cals per week or so, and ramp up the intensity of your workouts and you will see REAL results. Hard weights too!
    I hope by ramping up intensity you mean strength training and not cardio as that will negate the adjustment of 100 calories closer to maintenance she is trying to make.

    More quick high intensity workouts, cardio and weights as well as eating back those calories.

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